"Marco, do you know anything about this symbol?" I questioned, looking at the photo on my phone and trembling a little. I'd been noticing the sign for days now, and it had reappeared at the construction site. It has been appearing in old Voss family photos and other places on the website. I'm not sure how to interpret it."
Marco's expression darkened as he leaned in closer to the television. "This is not good, Elena. These pictures are more than just ornaments. They have significance. You must use caution. These occurrences are not random incidents."
I tried to ignore the stress of the building by massaging my temples. "Marco, this is getting too strange. I felt it might be related to Isabella. I feel as though I'm learning things I shouldn't."
Marco remarked, flipping through a narrative in his notebook, "Maybe you are." "Look, I've also been doing some research. The Voss family possesses a certain something. They belong to an established group that has been around for a while."
I scowled. "What kind of organization?"
"It's powerful, but I don't know everything about it yet. It's not only business, either. It's not just that. Take a look at this. He rotated the screen so that I could see an old piece from the newspaper. "There was a fire at one of the Voss properties, just a few days before Isabella died."
The title, "Mysterious Fire Engulfs Voss Estate, No Survivors Found," made my heart race. I felt the weight of all we were learning as I gazed at Marco. "Do you think it's connected?"
"With no doubt," Marco replied as he leaned back in his chair. It can't be an accident it's too near. And that fire, as far as I can tell, was promptly put out. Someone wished for the truth to remain hidden."
I bit my lip, afraid that I might fall into a hole from which I would never be able to emerge. "What steps will I take, Marco? I'm unable to leave this situation right now."
Elena, you need to be intelligent. This could be harmful. The further you go, the greater the risk you take."
"I understand," I muttered. "But I can't give up easily. What happened to Isabella? I have to know. I must understand the situation I've found myself in."
My phone rang before Marco could respond. I gazed at the screen; the number was unknown.
"Hello?" was my response.
On the other end, nothing was heard. I waited, but nobody answered me. "Who is this?" With a louder and more worried tone, I asked.
A lengthy moment passed before a faint voice spoke up. "You're next."
My blood froze, and I hung up the phone right away. "Marco..."
"What happened?" he enquired, perplexed by my expression.
"They just said... I'm next."
Alexander whispered softly, "You don't know what you're getting into, Elena," his voice almost soft, as if he were begging me to stop. His gaze was harsh.
I stood firmly in front of his desk and shook my head. "Then explain to me. I'll walk if you let me in."
Clearly agitated, Alexander raked a hand over his hair. His usual calm, collected demeanor had vanished, yielding to exhaustion and a hint of anxiety. "You ought not to take part in this. You're not safe doing that."
I refused to back down and crossed my arms. "Alexander, I'm already on board. Strange threats have been sending me SMS. I have discovered information regarding your family and Isabella's passing. You must be honest with me."
His clamped jaw was fixed on me. Elena, the truth won't be of any assistance to you. It'll simply exacerbate the situation."
I raised my voice and said, "I don't care." "I'm in too deep already. If you do not inform me, I will continue searching on my own. Furthermore, I am aware that I am not alone in my interest. Marco discovered a great deal about your family."
Alexander's ire flared in his eyes. Marco must also avoid getting involved in this. Both of you are tinkering with fire."
In an attempt to relax, I inhaled deeply. Then describe our situation to me. Especially if I'm in difficulty, I should know."
With his back to me, he got up and moved over to the window. "The Voss family is part of something greater than you can ever comprehend. an establishment with a long history. Elena, it's not only about the money or the power. It has to do with control. authority over topics that most people don't comprehend."
I scowled as I attempted to decipher his words. "What kind of control?"
Alexander faced me once more, his eyes dim. "Know-how. the type that destroys lives. My mother was too knowledgeable. Because she was too close to the truth, she"
His pallid face abruptly halted him midsentence. Just when it appeared like he was going to say something more, the office lights flickered. Then the power abruptly stopped working. Darkness descended onto the room.
"Alexander?" With a sudden sense of panic, I whispered. I was unable to see anything.
With a tense voice, he whispered, "Stay where you are."
Footsteps outside the door startled me. I strained to hear what or who was approaching, and my heart pounded.
"Who is that?" Barely able to breathe, I murmured.
Alexander's form approached me, his voice trembling with terror. "It's too late now."
The door creaked open before I could say anything else, and a shadowy figure entered the space. The person stopped at the doorway, and my gut twisted with horror.
"Who are you?" Even though my voice was shaking, I demanded.
The figure did not respond, but I could sense them there, staring at me. Alexander stepped in front of me, as though attempting to shield me from the impending danger.
With a scarcely heard voice, Alexander added, "You shouldn't have come here, Elena." "I told you... I warned you."
The stranger stepped closer, and my heart began to pound uncontrollably. I had no idea what to anticipate or what they desired. All I knew was that I had stepped into a far riskier situation than I ever could have anticipated.
Alexander whispered, "It's too late now, Elena," as the individual entered the room completely. We are unable to turn back."